Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Two Major Flyers Anniversaries, Quick Hits

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Two Major Flyers Anniversaries, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Bill, what do you think the chances are realistically that Grossman is moved this summer and replaced by Lauridsen? With Gus' departure and a glaring need to start addressing problems moving forward from within, does Lauridsen not have a lock on one of the 6-7 D at this time?

Alt is more likely to make the team in my opinion. Lauridsen doesn't have the puck skills to be more than a #7.

Alt is more likely to make the team in my opinion. Lauridsen doesn't have the puck skills to be more than a #7.
- Feanor

If the prevailing opinion is to have a #7 guy be someone more veteran (that's been the Flyers' tendency, pre-Hextall), then I think Ollie is more likely to stay in the AHL and get called up when a more defensive defenseman goes down for an extended period of time.

I won't even pretend to know if I think Alt is ready or not. It'd be a whole lot cooler if he was.

Bill, what do you think the chances are realistically that Grossman is moved this summer and replaced by Lauridsen? With Gus' departure and a glaring need to start addressing problems moving forward from within, does Lauridsen not have a lock on one of the 6-7 D at this time?
- mochoson

Possible but unlikely. Lauridsen is still pretty much an AHL defenseman at this point, although it's pretty much now or never for him to make the Flyers.

Bill, any interest in Joni Pitkanen if he is healthy? Seems they could leverage any inherent risk to get a smaller cap-hit and/or shorter-term.

Edit: speaking of former Flyers, your view on RJ Umberger's availability?

Bill, what do you think the chances are realistically that Grossman is moved this summer and replaced by Lauridsen? With Gus' departure and a glaring need to start addressing problems moving forward from within, does Lauridsen not have a lock on one of the 6-7 D at this time?
- mochoson

I don't think Lauridsen is the answer, personally. If none of Morin, Alt, Hagg, and Ghost are ready to go (which is likely) I expect them to make some moves for veterans for at least a season. I also think Grossmann will be back next season (as much as he is a whipping boy I think we need him or someone like him on the team and Schenn isn't there yet.)
Just my take on it...

Bill, any interest in Joni Pitkanen if he is healthy? Seems they could leverage any inherent risk to get a smaller cap-hit and/or shorter-term.

Edit: speaking of former Flyers, your view on RJ Umberger's availability?
- Tomahawk

Personally, I have little interest in Pitkänen even if he's fully healthy. I want a smarter and more reliable player.

I wish RJ was a bit healthier. Always liked him. I think Flyers will be looking for a little more speed than he has to offer.

Bill, any interest in Joni Pitkanen if he is healthy? Seems they could leverage any inherent risk to get a smaller cap-hit and/or shorter-term.

Edit: speaking of former Flyers, your view on RJ Umberger's availability?
- Tomahawk

I'm definitely interested in Join Pitkanen if it's a 1 year deal, but only if we don't resign Kimmo.

Umby would have to be for Lecavlier or Hartnell and I doubt either wants to go to Cbus

Bill,

What is your take on Alt? He seems to be a good skating dman with size and some offensive instincts.

Personally, I have little interest in Pitkänen even if he's fully healthy. I want a smarter and more reliable player.

I wish RJ was a bit healthier. Always liked him. I think Flyers will be looking for a little more speed than he has to offer.
- bmeltzer

Interesting, thanks.

Any players beside Rasmussen in Europe that you think might be worth a look?

On a prospect note, Stolarz is having an up and down Memorial Cup so far. Playing Val d'Or on Friday he let in just a single first period goal in a 1-0 loss. Last night he gave up 3 in 2 periods on 30 shots and looked a little slow against Edmonton. London eventually lost 5-2. Obviously, 2 goals in 2 games against the best teams in the CHL isn't going to buy you wins.

It will be interesting to see if Stolarz gets the start on Wednesday's possible elimination game against Geulph.

Interesting, thanks.

Any players beside Rasmussen in Europe that you think might be worth a look?
- Tomahawk

Kovalchuk

On a prospect note, Stolarz is having an up and down Memorial Cup so far. Playing Val d'Or on Friday he let in just a single first period goal in a 1-0 loss. Last night he gave up 3 in 2 periods on 30 shots and looked a little slow against Edmonton. London eventually lost 5-2. Obviously, 2 goals in 2 games against the best teams in the CHL isn't going to buy you wins.

It will be interesting to see if Stolarz gets the start on Wednesday's possible elimination game against Geulph.
- mayorofangrytown

OB said he wasn't getting much support from his team.

Noticed both Gus and that Rasmussen kid are both on Team Sweden at the WCs right now. Would it be bush league for Gus to talk to Rasmussen about how he never got ice time, was never given a fair shake in full-time duties? I would hate for the Flyers to lose out on a potential top 9 guy due to locker room talk over there.

Kovalchuk
- PhillySportsGuy

You'll get Andrei Kostitsyn and like it.

Noticed both Gus and that Rasmussen kid are both on Team Sweden at the WCs right now. Would it be bush league for Gus to talk to Rasmussen about how he never got ice time, was never given a fair shake in full-time duties? I would hate for the Flyers to lose out on a potential top 9 guy due to locker room talk over there.
- Rocktane

Well, if Gus tells him they favor big players, it would probably help their cause.

Tbh, Gus is partly to blame. He had several opportunities to cement a spot on the Flyers. He always struggled to start the season.

You'll get Andrei Kostitsyn and like it.
- Tomahawk

Will he have a curfew?

OB said he wasn't getting much support from his team.
- PhillySportsGuy

London is supposed to be able to score goals. I don't know how much the long layoff effected them but they can't find the back of the net. They've had a penalty shot fail in each game and have yet to score a powerplay goal. They're having a difficult time clearing their zone (a lot like an NHL team we know) and at least one of the goals against in the Edmonton game was because they didn't get a line change for an extended period of defensive zone time.

Noticed both Gus and that Rasmussen kid are both on Team Sweden at the WCs right now. Would it be bush league for Gus to talk to Rasmussen about how he never got ice time, was never given a fair shake in full-time duties? I would hate for the Flyers to lose out on a potential top 9 guy due to locker room talk over there.
- Rocktane

i'd think that guy would be looking more at the ice time raffl and read get vs a 7th defenseman, hopefully

Will he have a curfew?
- PhillySportsGuy

Yes, and a night light.

Price is done for the series for Montreal

Well... its official, I am going to be a Dad! My wife and I are expecting our first child in early December!

Schenn increasing his trade value....Strange he doesnt have a deal yet.

Montreal is done
- mayorofangrytown

FTFY